U.S. patent application number 14/984484 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for rotatable awning with rotating conductor.
The applicant listed for this patent is DOMETIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Brent Alan Taylor.
Application Number | 20160111862 14/984484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54480813 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160111862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Brent Alan |
April 21, 2016 |
Rotatable Awning with Rotating Conductor
Abstract
Various embodiments of a rotatable awning with illumination are
provided. The awning includes an axial groove wherein a plurality
of luminaires are located for lighting of an area below and around
an extended awning. The awning includes an electromechanical
rotatable conductor which provides electrical contact between a
fixed portion of the awning assembly and the rotating awning roller
tube. This allows for flow through of electricity or current to the
luminaires and/or the awning motor internally through the roller
tube.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Brent Alan; (Auburn,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DOMETIC CORPORATION |
Louisville |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54480813 |
Appl. No.: |
14/984484 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14278036 |
May 15, 2014 |
9228359 |
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14984484 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/127 ;
174/651 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 10/0625 20130101;
E04F 10/0648 20130101; E06B 9/72 20130101; E04H 15/10 20130101;
E04F 10/0666 20130101; H02G 3/0406 20130101; E04H 15/58 20130101;
E04F 10/0614 20130101; E06B 9/68 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02G 3/04 20060101
H02G003/04; E04F 10/06 20060101 E04F010/06 |
Claims
1. A rotating conductor assembly, comprising: an outer bushing and
an inner bushing; said outer bushing in rotating electrical
communication with said inner bushing; one of said outer bushing
and said inner bushing having brushes and the other of said inner
bushing and outer bushing having conductor rings; wherein one of
said outer bushing and said inner bushing rotates relative to the
other of said outer bushing and said inner bushing; an awning
roller tube which rotates with said one of said outer bushing and
said inner bushing; an axial groove in said awning roller tube
wherein a power is provided through said rotating conductor
assembly; said inner bushing engaging one of a torsion rod and said
awning roller tube; and, said outer bushing engaging one of said
awning roller tube and said end cap.
2. The rotating conductor assembly of claim 1, said outer bushing
and said inner bushing at least partially disposed within said
awning roller tube.
3. The rotating conductor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a
protuberance extending from said rotatable conductor.
4. The rotating conductor assembly of claim 3, further comprising a
flange, wherein said protuberance extends from said flange.
5. The rotating conductor assembly of claim 3, said protuberance
engaging said end cap.
6. The rotating conductor assembly of claim 3, said protuberance
engaging an interior of said awning roller tube.
7. The rotating conductor assembly of claim 1, wherein said awning
roller tube has an opening to allow passage of at least one of said
conductors.
8. A rotating conductor assembly for an awning assembly,
comprising: an awning drive assembly including a motor, a drive
operably connected to said motor for rotatably driving an awning
roller tube; a rotating conductor at least partially disposed
within said awning roller tube; said rotating conductor having at
least one inner bushing and one outer bushing wherein one of said
inner bushing and said outer bushing rotates relative to the other
of said inner bushing and said outer bushing; said rotating
conductor having one pair of electrical brushes and one pair of
conductor rings to provide electrical communication across said
inner and outer bushings during rotation of said awning roller
tube; said awning roller tube having an axial groove wherein
electrical power from said rotating conductor is provided.
9. The rotating conductor assembly for an awning assembly of claim
8 further comprising a plurality of luminaires in said groove.
10. The rotating conductor assembly for an awning assembly of claim
8, said rotating conductor engaging one of said awning roller tube
and an end cap.
11. The rotating conductor assembly for an awning assembly of claim
10 further comprising a protuberance engaging one of said awning
roller tube and said end cap.
12. The rotating conductor assembly for an awning assembly of claim
11, said protuberance extending from a flange.
13. A rotatable conductor assembly for an awning, comprising; an
awning assembly including an awning roller tube; a rotating
conductor disposed at least partially within said awning roller
tube, said rotating conductor having a fixed portion and a rotating
portion; electrical communication between said fixed portion and
said rotating portion during rotation of said awning roller tube;
and, at least one electrical wiring providing electrical power to
said rotating conductor and at least one second electrical wire
extending from said rotating conductor and providing power within
an axial groove in said awning roller tube.
14. The rotatable conductor assembly of claim 13 further comprising
a plurality of protuberances.
15. The rotatable conductor assembly of claim 14 further comprising
a flange, said plurality of protuberances extending from said
flange.
16. The rotatable conductor assembly of claim 14, said
protuberances capable of engaging one of said awning roller tube
and an end cap.
17. The rotatable conductor of claim 13, said fixed portion
operably engaging a torsion assembly and said rotating portion
operably engaging one of said awning roller tube and an end cap.
Description
CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] This Continuation application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
14/278,036, filed May 15, 2015, titled "Rotatable Awning with
Illumination", which is hereby incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] None.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC.
[0003] None.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] Present embodiments generally pertain to an awning with a
rotatable roller tube. More particularly, present embodiments
relate to, without limitation, a rotatable awning roller tube with
a conductor assembly allowing rotation of the awning tube while
maintaining electrical connection through the rotating joint.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Various attempts have been made to provide lighting
underneath an extended awning. Some attempts have included lighting
which depends from hardware supporting the canopy. However,
problems have been various, including how to route wiring to the
lighting for power. Recent awnings have utilized a wire in hem
arrangement which requires the wiring to wrap around the awning
tube with the awning. However, while motor sizing and or current
loads requires that wires be of minimum size, the wiring size can
create problems in wrapping and or storage of the awning.
[0008] In order to overcome this problem, some designs have
utilized wiring that may be of smaller than desirable gauge.
However, this may not be a desirable solution as undersized wiring
may create hazardous conditions.
[0009] Accordingly, it would be desirable to overcome these and
other deficiencies in known awning assemblies. It would be
desirable to provide illumination under the shaded area of the
awning wherein the illumination structure provided in the awning
roller tube need not be removed or deconstructed from the awning
during retraction of the awning. More particularly, it would be
desirable to provide a structure which allows for electrical
communication independent of the awning hem paths previously
utilized. It would be desirable to provide a structure that allows
for electrical communication to the rotating structure which
precludes winding of wires or binding associated therewith.
[0010] The information included in this Background section of the
specification, including any references cited herein and any
description or discussion thereof, is included for technical
reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by
which the scope of the invention is to be bound.
SUMMARY
[0011] According to some embodiments, a rotatable awning with
illumination structure is provided. The awning includes an
illumination assembly located along an axial groove formed in a
roller tube. Wiring is provided internally through the roller tube
and extends to a rotatable conductor allowing electrical
communication between the fixed structure of the awning and the
rotating roller tube.
[0012] According to some embodiments, a rotating conductor assembly
comprises a rotatable conductor having an outer bushing and an
inner bushing, the outer bushing having a first conductor and a
second conductor, a first brush in electrical communication with
the first conductor and a second brush in electrical communication
with the second conductor, the inner bushing disposed within the
outer bushing, wherein the inner bushing has third and fourth
conductors in electrical communication with electrical conductor
rings, the first and second brushes in rotating electrical
communication with the electrical conductor rings. Further, one of
the inner and outer bushings rotates relative to the other of the
inner and outer bushings, an awning having a torsion rod extending
from one of a first end and a second end toward the other of a
first end and a second end, an awning roller tube extending
co-axially with the rod, the awning roller tube having an axial
groove including a luminaire therein, and the inner bushing
engaging one of the rod and the awning roller tube, the outer
bushing engaging one of the awning roller tube and an end cap.
[0013] Optionally, the rotating conductor assembly may further
comprise a protuberance extending from the rotating conductor. A
protuberance extends from the flange and the protuberance may
engage the end cap or may engage the interior of the awning roller
tube. The rotating conductor assembly may further comprise a drive
assembly coupled to the inner bushing. Electricity may be
transferred across the rotating conductor assembly to the
luminaire. The outer bushing may comprise a first body and a second
body. The outer bushing may be rotatable relative to the inner
bushing. The awning roller tube may have an opening near an axial
end to allow a conductor to pass from interior of the awning roller
tube to exterior of the awning roller tube. The opening may be in
the end cap. An axial groove may extend a length of the awning
roller tube. Alternatively, the axial groove may have a length
which is less than a length of the awning roller tube.
[0014] According to another embodiment, a rotating conductor
assembly for an awning assembly comprises an awning drive assembly
including a motor, drive for driving a roller tube at one of a
first end and a second end and the roller tube, a torsion assembly
at the other of said first end and said second end of the roller
tube, a rotating conductor disposed at one end of the roller tube,
the rotating conductor allowing transfer of electricity across a
rotating connection, the rotating conductor having an outer bushing
and an inner bushing providing rotation, at least one conducting
wire extending from the outer bushing and at least one conductor
wire extending from the inner bushing, one of the outer bushing and
the inner bushing having at least one conducting brush and the
other of the outer bushing and the inner bushing having a
conducting ring engaged by the at least one conducting brush and
provide electrical communication during rotation of one the awning
roller tube, and, the roller tube having at least one groove
including at least one luminaire therein.
[0015] Optionally, the torsion assembly may include an end cap and
the end cap may engage the outer bushing. The outer bushing may
have at least one protuberance engaging the end cap. Alternatively,
the outer bushing may have at least one protuberance engaging the
awning roller tube.
[0016] According to still further embodiments, a rotatable
conductor assembly for an awning comprises an awning assembly
including an awning roller tube, a rotating conductor connected to
the awning assembly, the rotating conductor allowing an electrical
connection between a fixed portion of the awning assembly and the
rotating awning roller tube, first electrical wiring extending
through hardware of the awning assembly to a fixed portion of said
rotating conductor, and, second electrical wiring extending from a
rotating portion of said rotating conductor to a luminaire in said
awning roller tube.
[0017] All of the above outlined features are to be understood as
exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the
rotatable awning with illumination may be gleaned from the
disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this
summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire
specification, claims and drawings, included herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In order that the embodiments may be better understood,
embodiments of the rotatable awning with illumination will now be
described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit
the scope of the claims as other embodiments of the rotatable
awning with illumination will become apparent to one having
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description.
Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in
figures wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a recreational vehicle having
a rotatable awning with illumination;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary hardware assembly used
with the rotatable awning with illumination of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of an awning roller
tube including an electromechanical rotating conductor;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side section view of an exemplary roller tube
including luminaries therein;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the assembled rotating
conductor;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side-section view of the conductor of FIG.
5;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric section view of an exemplary
rotating conductor;
[0026] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the rotating conductor
assembled in a portion of the torsion assembly
[0027] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
the rotatable conductor; and,
[0028] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a further alternate
embodiment of the rotatable conductor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] It is to be understood that the rotatable awning with
illumination is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention
is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of
"including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof
herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited
otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and
variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and
indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the
terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not
restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
[0030] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like
numerals indicate like elements throughout several views, there are
shown in FIGS. 1-10 various embodiments of a rotatable awning with
illumination. The awning includes an axial groove wherein a
plurality of luminaires are located for lighting of an area below
and around an extended awning. The awning includes an
electromechanical rotatable conductor which provides electrical
contact between a fixed portion of the awning roller assembly and
the rotating awning roller tube. This allows for flow through of
electricity or current to the luminaires and/or the awning motor
internally through the roller tube.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a recreational
vehicle 10 is depicted. The RV includes a drive and transmission,
not shown, as well as a sidewall 12 and a roof 14. It should be
understood that although an RV is referred to in the exemplary
embodiments, one skilled in the art should understand that the use
of the awning with lighting is not limited to these vehicles. The
awnings may be used with towable structures, sometimes called
campers, homes and other stationary structures as well as boats or
other marine applications for example which use canopy structures
which may or may not be retractable, commercial vehicles,
agricultural vehicles, horse trailers, and temporary structures
such as those used at sports events, (tailgating), flea markets.
All of these structures are considered to be forms of recreational
vehicles (RVs) or structures which may be used with an awning.
[0032] An awning assembly 20 is connected to the sidewall 12 and/or
the roof 14 of the vehicle 10. In further embodiments, the awning
assembly 20 may be retractable within the sidewall so as to reduce
the airflow interference of the assembly while the vehicle 10 is
being operated.
[0033] The awning assembly 20 includes an awning or canopy 22 and
hardware assembly 28 defined by at least one first arm 24 and at
least one second arm 26. The hardware assembly 28 may be utilized
at lateral ends of the awning 22 according to some embodiments. The
present embodiment utilizes three arms but varying hardware
configurations may be utilized. The awning hardware assembly 28,
which is utilized according to the instant embodiment to connect
the awning assembly 20 to the sidewall 12 of the vehicle. The
hardware assembly 28 allows for support of the canopy 22 in an
extended position (shown) or in a retracted position. The awning
assembly 20 is exemplary and other variations may be utilized. The
awning assembly 20 further includes a roller tube assembly 30 which
extends between the hardware assemblies 28 and which moves inwardly
and outwardly with corresponding retraction or extension of the
canopy 22 to provide the sheltered or shaded area beneath the
awning assembly 20. The awning assembly 20 may be a manually
operated assembly requiring manual rotation to extend or retract
the canopy 22. Alternatively, the awning assembly 20 may be an
automated system such as by electrical, air, hydraulic or other
fluid power systems to cause extension or retraction of the canopy
22. Additionally, the awning may be fixed at the wall 12 so that
the opposite edge is extended and retracted.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of the awning hardware
assembly 28 is depicted. The assembly 28 includes a first arm 24
which is mounted to a sidewall, for example sidewall 12 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The second arm 26 extends from the
first arm 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the second arm 26 may
extend from the upper end, however this is not limiting and merely
one example of a configuration which may be utilized. The second
arm 26 is pivotally connected to the first arm 24 and may be
further sized so as to be nested in a nested arrangement with
either or both of the first arm 24 and a third arm 27 which may be
pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second arm 26 and
spaced from the first arm 24. One or more struts 29 may be utilized
to control movement of the second and third arms 26, 27.
Additionally, a locking structure 31 may be utilized to position
and adjust the extended configuration of the awning hardware
assembly 28.
[0035] As shown in broken line extending parallel to the second and
third arms 26, 27 is a wire routing representation. The wire
routing indicates how wire extends within and through these second
and third arms 26, 27 from the awning roller assembly 30 (FIG. 1)
to the first arm 24 at the fixed wall where the awning assembly 20
is mounted. In one embodiment, the wire routing may extend upwardly
from an upper end of the first arm 24 and in an alternate
embodiment, the wire routing may extend toward a lower end of the
first arm 24. However, in either case, the wire routing extends
through, or within, the hardware 28 so as to be hidden and also to
preclude binding of the wire during extension or retraction of the
awning canopy 22 (FIG. 1). A circuit including a switch may be in
electrical communication with the wire routing in order to extend
or retract the awning. Additionally, a switch may be provided to
power the luminaires described herein.
[0036] The arms of hardware assembly 28 may have various
cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shapes may
be closed such as rectangular, circular or square shaped.
Alternatively, the hardware arms may be open cross-sectioned such
as U-shaped.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded isometric view of an
awning roller tube assembly 30 is depicted. Starting at the left
hand end of the figure, a first torsion assembly 32 is depicted.
The first torsion assembly 32 includes a top casting 34 which is
connected to the awning hardware 28 (FIG. 1). The top casting 34
includes a first end 36 which is coupled to the awning hardware 28
and extends or retracts from the sidewall of the RV, boat or other
fixed structure to which the awning is connected. The top casting
34 is fixed and allows for rotation of the awning roller tube
30.
[0038] A second end 37 of the top casting 34 includes a pivoting
connection 38 which may extend through the end cap 40. The pivoting
connection 38 connects to the motor housing 44 and allows limited
movement of the top casting 36 with respect to the motor housing 44
by allowing pivoting of the awning roller tube. More specifically,
the angle of the major axis of the awning tube 56 may vary at the
pivoting connection 38 thereby allowing relative movement between
the pivoting connection 38, awning tube 56 and the top casting
34.
[0039] The pivoting connection 38 provides an additional function
beyond providing for angular motion of the awning roller tube 56
relative to the top casting 34. The pivoting connection 38 provides
a bushing surface 39 upon which an end cap 40 may rotate. The end
cap 40 includes a central opening through which the pivoting
connection 38 passes so that the end cap 40 is captured between the
top casting 34 and the pivoting connection 38 and the end cap 40
may rotate freely thereon with rotation of the awning roller tube
56. According to some embodiments, the top casting 34 is generally
fixed and the pivoting connection 38 allows for angular
displacement of the awning roller tube 56 as well as provides a
surface for rotation of the end cap 40.
[0040] A quick disconnect connector 41 is shown extending from the
top casting 34. The quick disconnect connector 41 passes from the
first end 36 and wires extend through the top casting 34, end cap
40 and pivoting connection 38 to the motor housing 44 to power a
motor 42 located within a motor housing 44. In the opposite
direction, the connector 41 connects to wires which extend through
the hardware 28. In this way, the wires are hidden.
[0041] The motor housing 44 includes an aperture through which a
motor shaft may extend and be connected to a drive disc 50. The
drive disc 50 is connected to the roller tube 56 so that when the
motor 42 rotates the drive disc 50, the roller tube 56 rotates with
the drive disc 50. While the housing 44 is fixed in the instant
embodiment, the awning tube 56 rotates causing the end cap 40 to
rotate on the surface 39 of the pivoting connection 38.
Alternatively, the housing 44 may rotate and be connected to, so as
to cause rotation of the drive disc 50. The drive disc 50 may be
located along the inner periphery of the roller tube 56 or may be
connected to the outer edge of the roller tube 56. Further, this is
merely one structure for rotating the roller tube 56 and other
methods may be utilized.
[0042] The roller tube 56 is generally cylindrical in shape, having
a plurality of axial grooves 57 therein. The roller tube 56
includes a first end 58 which engages the drive disc 50 and a
second end 59 opposite the first end. One or more of the plurality
of axial grooves 57 engage correspondingly sized receivers 52 in
the drive disc 50. These grooves or teeth 57 engage the receivers
52 to allow for torque transfer from the motor 42 and drive disc 50
to the roller tube 56 causing rotation of the roller tube 56.
[0043] At the second end 59 of the roller tube 56 is a second
torsion assembly 60. The assembly 60 includes a top casting 62, end
cap 64 and a rotating electromechanical conductor 70. Referring
first to the top casting 62, the structure is similar to top
casting 34 in that it provides a point of connection for the roller
tube assembly 30 to connect to the hardware 28 extending from the
RV, boat or fixed structure. The second end cap 64 is pivotally
connected to the top casting 62 and engages the second end 59 of
the roller tube 56. The end cap 64 also receives one end of the
rotating conductor 70. The rotating conductor 70 is
electromechanical and allows an electrical connection between a
fixed component at one end of the top casting 62 and a rotating
component at the end 59 of awning tube 56. The electromechanical
rotating conductor 70 includes a first end defined by an inner
bushing 72 which is connected to the torsion rod 46. The second end
or external bushing 74 engages the end cap 64 and rotates with the
end cap 64 and roller tube 56. In the instant embodiment, an inner
bushing 72 extends from the outer bushing 74.
[0044] A rod 46 extends through the roller tube and a torsion
spring (not shown) is located on the rod 46 to bias the awning
roller tube assembly 30. This keeps the canopy 22 tight on the
roller tube 56. The rod 46 is connected to the inner bushing 72 of
the rotating conductor 70 and a fastener or clip may be utilized to
extend through the bushing into the rod for torsional
transmission.
[0045] The roller tube 56 includes at least one axial light groove
54 wherein a plurality of luminaires 55 may be utilized. The groove
54 may include LED luminaires for example, or other low voltage
luminaires. It is desirable that in the fully extended awning
position, the light groove 54 be directed downwardly to illuminate
under the canopy 22. The LEDs 55 may be located on printed circuit
boards which are located either in the groove 54 or inside the tube
56 so that the LEDs 55 extend into the groove 54 from the tube
interior through holes. The groove 54 may extend the entire length
of the tube 56, or may extend some axial length less than the
length of the tube 56. The tube 56 may have multiple grooves 54
along the axial length of the tube 56 and one or more grooves 54
spaced apart circumferentially. Additionally, the groove 54 may
include a reflector therein and a lens over groove 54.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4, a side section view of the roller
tube 56 is depicted wherein the plurality of grooves 57 are shown.
The grooves 57 allow for receiving of a retaining structure to hold
the awning, as well as engaging the drive disc 50 on the interior
of the roller tube 56 and thereby causing rotation of the roller
tube 56. Located along the interior surface of the roller tube 56
is the groove 54 wherein the plurality of luminaires 55 may be
located. According to some embodiments, the luminaires 55 may be
LED assemblies including a bulb and a printed circuited board for
driving the LED lamp. The luminaire 55 may alternatively comprise
various forms. For example, the printed circuit board may be
located on the interior side of the groove structure 54 (within
tube 56) so that the luminaire 55 extends through the interior wall
of the groove 54 and into an opening 53 such that light can shine
out from the roller tube 56. Alternatively, the luminaire 55 may be
located within the groove 54 as depicted. Various embodiments may
be utilized and therefore, the construction should not be a
limiting one.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, an isometric view of the rotating
conductor 70 is depicted. The conductor 70 is formed of an inner
bushing 72 which in the embodiment is fixed and an outer bushing 74
which rotates about the inner bushing. In alternative embodiments,
the outer bushing 74 may be fixed however, and the inner bushing 72
may rotate. The outer bushing 74 may include a flange 76 and at
least one protrusion 78 that extends axially and which engages the
second end cap 64 (FIG. 3) causing rotation of the outer bushing
74. In the orientation depicted, the flange 76 is located at an end
of the outer bushing 74, although according to other embodiments,
the flange 76 may be moved axially to various locations along the
outer bushing. Further, and with brief reference to FIG. 9,
protuberances 178 may extend in a direction other than axial, as in
the previous embodiment. For example, the instant embodiment
includes protuberances 178 that extend in a radial direction. In
this manner, the protuberances 178 may engage awning roller tube 56
such that rotation of the awning roller tube 56 causes rotation of
the outer bushing 74. The protuberances 178 may extend from a
flange or other extending feature 179 so that the protuberances
extend radially from the rotating conductor 70 to engage the roller
tube 56. Still further, the at least one protrusion 78, 178 is
depicted as three structures which are separated generally by about
120 degrees. However, various shapes may be utilized and various
alternative spacing may also be utilized. Alternately, the outer
bushing 74 may be allowed to rotate freely or be indirectly driven
through tension forces applied, for example by the conductors
86.
[0048] Referring again to FIG. 5, the outer bushing 74 may be
formed of two semi-circular halves 75 which are snapped together by
a plurality of tabs and catches 80. Other embodiments for
connecting the portions 75 of the outer bushing 74 include, but are
not limited to, fasteners, adhesives, or permanent bonding.
Further, while the instant embodiment provides two portions or
sections 75 that are placed together to form the outer bushing 74,
alternatively, a single outer bushing housing may be utilized or
more than two housing structures or sections may be utilized. The
outer bushing 74 may include conductor holes to allow pass through
of conductors 86. Similarly, the inner bushing 72 also provides for
two or more wires 82 to pass therefrom. In the instant embodiment,
the wires 82 extend from the upper or axial end of the inner
bushing 72 so that the wires can pass through the second end cap
64.
[0049] The rotating conductor assembly 70 includes a first pair of
conductors 82 extending from the inner bushing 72 and having a
quick disconnect 84 at one end thereof. The conductors 82 and quick
disconnect 84 extend from the rotating conductor 70 toward the
vehicle or fixed structure to which the awning assembly 30 is
connected. A connecting wire in communication with wires 82 may be
routed through hardware. This eliminates the need to run the wires
through an awning hem. Extending from the outer bushing 74 is a
second pair of conductors 86 and a quick disconnect 88. These
conductors 86 and quick disconnect 88 provide power to the
luminaires 55 (FIG. 3) located in the awning roller tube 56. For
example, a wiring harness may be utilized to extend from the
connector 88 to the luminaires located in the roller tube 56 in
order to provide power during operation for such luminaires.
Additionally, the wires 82 exit the inner bushing 72 and pass
through end cap 64 (FIG. 3) with the inner bushing 72. Since the
inner bushing 72 is not rotating in the instant embodiment, the
wires 82 are not moving with rotation of the awning and the wires
82 and connector 84 may be connected to a power source from the RV,
and which may extend through the hardware 28 (FIG. 1).
[0050] Also, in this view, one skilled in the art will understand
that the outer bushing 74 rotates when the inner bushing 72 is
fixed and provides an axis about which the outer bushing 74 may
rotate. During rotation of the roller tube 56, the protrusions 78
cause the outer bushing 74 to rotate with the end cap 64 which is
fixed to the second end 59 of the roller tube 56.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 6, a section view of the rotating
conductor 70 is depicted. The rotating conductor 70 is
electromechanical and provides electrical connection across a
rotating joint between a fixed part, the top casting 62 (FIG. 3),
and a rotating part, the awning roller tube 56. The inner bushing
72 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is formed with various
steps and/or grooves therein. As depicted in the view, conductors
86 are electrically connected to brushes 87 which rotate about the
inner bushing 72 with the outer bushing 74. The inner bushing 72
includes grooves 85 having conductive strips 89 which are engaged
by the brushes 87 to transfer electricity across the rotating
joint. Specifically, electricity is transferred between the
rotating outer bushing 74 and the fixed inner bushing 72. The inner
bushing 72 also comprises an o-ring 73 which is seated between the
inner bushing 72 and outer bushing 74, providing a seal
therebetween and inhibiting moisture or other contaminants from
entering the area where the brushes 87 and the conductive strips 89
are located. The inner bushing 72 also includes a hollow passage 81
which may be tapered from one side to the other in an axial
direction causing frictional engagement with rod 46 (FIG. 3).
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 7, a sectioned conductor 70 of FIG. 6
is exploded to better describe the parts and clarify operation.
Starting at the upper end of the rotating conductor 70, the inner
bushing 72 is depicted including an outer surface 71 and seal
landing 77 including a groove wherein the o-ring 73 is located.
Beneath the landing 77 are grooves 85 which receive the conductive
strips or rings 89. The conductive strips 89 extend
circumferentially about the inner housing and within the grooves 85
providing a location for contact with the brushes 87.
[0053] The conductors 82 and quick disconnect 84 extend from an
upper edge of the inner bushing 72. The conductor 82 is in
electrical communication with the conductive strips 89 mounted
within the grooves 85. More specifically, the wires 82 enter the
top of the inner bushing 72 and travel interior to the walls of the
inner bushing 72 until just above each conductor ring 89. The wires
82 then exit the inner bushing 72 and are folded down to contact
the conductor ring or strip 89 between the surfaces of the
conductor ring 89 and the outer housing 76. A metallic conductor
89b may be used to connect the wires 82 to the strip 89, for
example. The wire 82 is then secured with a screw which is also
used to secure the conductor 89.
[0054] The upper end of the inner bushing 72 includes a groove 79
which receives a pin or other fastener to connect the inner bushing
to the rod 46 (FIG. 3). The rod 46 is inserted into the lower open
end of the inner bushing 72 and extends to the upper end where a
pin or other fastening connection is made through the groove 79 and
through a hole in the rod 46 in the depicted orientation.
[0055] Beneath the inner bushing 72 is the outer bushing 74. The
outer bushing 74 is generally cylindrically shaped with the upper
flange 76 and an interior defined by inner surface 83 wherein the
inner bushing 72 may be positioned. The inner surface 83 includes a
pair of guides or spacers 90 defining a space wherein the brushes
87 are located. As shown more clearly in FIG. 6, the spacers 90
locate the inner bushing 72 within the outer bushing 74. The
brushes 87 extend into the opening of the outer bushing 74 to
engage the conductor rings 89 as described previously. The outer
bushing 74 includes a rod aperture 92 located at the bottom surface
thereof allowing passage of the rod 46 into the outer bushing 74
and into the inner bushing 72.
[0056] The conductor assembly 70 also comprises seals 94 which are
shown as L-shaped structures. The seals 94 are located between
halves 75 of the outer bushing 74. The seals inhibit water or other
contaminants from entering between the sections or portions 75
defining the outer bushing 74. One pair of seals 94 is provided for
each bushing half 75. Alternate constructions should be considered
within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as the
sealing structure may alternatively include hermetic welding or
other combinations of sealing material to perform the same
function.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 8, an isometric view of the second end
cap 64 and second top casting 62 is shown in engagement with the
rotating conductor 70. The top casting 62 is connected to the
torsion rod 46 such that the top casting 62 is fixed and the end
cap 64 rotates about the torsion rod 46 with the outer bushing 74
of the rotating conductor 70. To provide such motion, a plurality
of ribs 65 are shown extending radially on the inner surface of the
end cap 64. The ribs 65 are engaged by the protuberance or tooth 78
(FIG. 5). As previously discussed, the end cap 64 is connected to
the second end 59 of the roller tube 56. Thus, as the roller tube
56 rotates, it drives the end cap 64 to revolve about the torsion
rod 46, which then drives the outer bushing 74 to rotate through
engagement between the protuberances 78 and the ribs 65. Likewise,
similar function could be attained by designing the outer bushing
74 in such a way that it engages one or more of the plurality of
axial channels 57 (FIG. 3). In further alternatives, the outer
bushing 74 may be driven by friction engagement with a rotating
part to effect the desired rotation.
[0058] The end cap 64 further comprises a flange 67 including a
plurality of fastening apertures 69. These apertures allow for
connection of the end cap 64 to the second end 59 of the roller
tube 56.
[0059] The rotating conductor 70 is shown with a portion of the
outer bushing 74 removed which reveals the inner bushing 72. The
conductive rings or strips 89 are located within grooves along the
inner bushing 72. The awning rod 46 is shown extending into and
through the outer bushing 74 and into the inner bushing 72 in an
axial direction and extending toward the second top casting 62 in
an axial direction.
[0060] The flange 67 may further comprise a notch wherein
conductors 86 may pass through or alternatively, the conductors 86
may be retained within the end cap 64 and extend into the awning
tube 56 for connection to the luminaires. For example, an
alternative connector may be connected to connector 88 which
provides the wires in electrical connection with the
luminaires.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment of the
rotatable conductor 270 is depicted wherein an inner bushing 272
and an outer bushing 274 are mounted coaxially to provide
electrical communication through a rotating joint. The isometric
view is shown with a portion of the outer bushing removed so as to
reveal the inner bushing 272 positioned therein. The inner bushing
272 is one molded piece. The inner bushing 272 includes conductive
strips 289 with opposite brushes 287 located within pockets 285 of
the outer bushing 274. The brushes 287 are connected to wires 286
and a quick connector 288 for electrical communication with the
brushes 287 and contact with the conductive strips 289. The brushes
287 are engaged by brush springs 283 which are seated within the
outer bushing 274 and urge the brushes 287 into contact with the
conductive strips 289. The brush springs 283 may also function as
stress reliefs for the wires 286 extending from the brushes 287.
The outer bushing 274 may be of substantially constant interior
diameter for the opening, wherein the inner bushing 272 is
positioned or alternatively, may be of various interior diameters.
For example, in the depicted embodiment a guide 273 is utilized
near the upper end of the inner bushing 272. This functions as a
seat against the smaller diameter of the outer bushing 274 in the
upper end of the outer bushing 274. Below the guide 273, the
interior diameter of the outer bushing 274 increases allowing space
for the strips 289 and some limited movement of the brushes
287.
[0062] The upper end of the inner bushing 272 includes two
apertures where wires 282 may extend from for completing the
circuit and moving through the conductor 270 to provide electrical
communication through or across a rotating joint. Accordingly, in
this embodiment, the use of the screws to connect brushes 287, as
in previous embodiments, or for connecting wires 282 to the inner
strips 289 is no longer necessary.
[0063] While several inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of
embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the inventive teaching(s) is/are used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no
more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific
inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of
example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and
equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive
scope of the present disclosure.
[0064] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms. The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used
herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly
indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least
one." The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
[0065] Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed
in the same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so
conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the
elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether
related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when
used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising"
can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including
elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only
(optionally including elements other than A); in yet another
embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements);
etc.
[0066] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of" "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0067] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0068] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated
to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more
than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method
is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts
of the method are recited.
[0069] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures,
Section 2111.03.
[0070] The foregoing description of several methods and an
embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of
illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the
invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended
hereto.
* * * * *